11 FROM 2011

I read about a challenge of picking your best shot from 2011. So I went forward after reading another way to do this and picked my best 11 from 2011. It was a bit difficult. Not because I had problems with the work, but because I didn't go shooting as often as I would have liked. But I found what I liked. And with each photo, I'll tell you why.

And here are my 11 from 2011.

#11 WATER LEVEL
While this isn't a particularly fascinating photo,
this was a recapture from 2008. I like the
simplicity of the image. And the age.

#10 TRAIN
While shooting along the Canal Walk in Richmond, this train came barreling
along the tracks above me. I always wanted to capture a train and the overcast
sky the heavy iron work made for a perfect black and white.

#9 ST GEORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
I can't tell you how many times I've captured the steeple
of St. George's Episcopal Church. It just stands out in
the middle of Fredericksburg and speaks of history. This shot
was taken from Chatham Heights. I've taken winter shots
from Chatham, and I wanted to check out spring. The red
roofs and green steeple were a pleasant surprise.

#8 GOLF?
All these years, I thought he was on the
course actually playing the game. Instead, he
was perfecting another skill. This is such a fun
photo - a very relaxed Tom in his element.

#7 BREAKING PROHIBITION
I had the opportunity to shoot at the A. Smith
Bowman distillery. It was a fabulous tour and
the barrels made for some great shots. And a lot
of fun artistic work.

#6 SKYLINE
A shot on the way to Belle Isle in Richmond.
I was walking across the suspension bridge to the island
and looking up saw all these wonderful lines. 

#5 SILVER LEAF
It's just that, a leaf. It was a cool spring day and everything had the full
color of spring. I saw the glint of silver from the light on the backside
of this leaf and gave it a shot. I really didn't expect the photo above, but
sometimes what you think you'll trash ends up being the best shot.

#4 LOVE
While shooting at the train station in Richmond (you wouldn't believe the
opportunities at the train station), I was strolling around, and for whatever
reason looked down and this was on the bricks. It was Valentine's Day.

#3 WISDOM LISTENS
Another shot from Belle Isle. It was the abandoned hydraulic plant, I think.
For graffiti, I love the message. It's just so true. But the fun part was
taking this from a boring wall and making it art. Will definitely print this
on metallic paper so all that glitters...well, glitters.

#2 THE DOOR
Okay, gotta admit, I love this piece of art. This shot
was taken at the A. Smith Bowman Distillery. And
this shot was a loss. Wrong lens, quick take,
unfocused. What can I say. Such is the power
of Photoshop. I get a lot of feedback on this shot.

#1 CROSSING THE JAMES
I don't know what it is about me and railroad bridges. Taken in Richmond,
this bridge crossing the James River spoke of timelessness. And turning
it into art changed the scope even more. This is a metallic print and
everything glimmers and shines. My favorite shot of the year.

DR. JEKYLL & MS. HYDE MEET TWEAK

So, now that I've taken the studio to a new level, went completely business and all, well, business and art, but mostly business while the art stays ever present in the background, I'm having conflicts. Kind of feel like a I have a split personality. There's Kerri the artist/photographer (we'll call that one Ms. Hyde) and Kerri the business woman (and we'll call that one Dr. Jekyll). And while Kerri the business woman was always there, Kerri the artist/photographer was the presence behind the business. Thing is, it's more than fine art these days. It's commercial with an art twang. Transferring things to the business side, let's just say Dr. Jekyll's been busy, but Ms. Hyde wants to come out and play.

And with that, I want to introduce you to Tweak and discuss the etiquette of common courtesy. Yeah, that's right, common courtesy.

MEET TWEAK

As I said, Dr. Jelyll's been busy and a lot of that busy has been networking. I attached my camera to my side on the last networking outing because it took place by the water, docks and boats and all that, along with the occasional passing Amtrak train across the railroad bridge. And if you've every looked at my shots, you know I love shooting railroad bridges.

OCCASIONAL PASSING AMTRAK

I was lingering on one of the docks taking this shot of the red and blue boats...

RED & BLUE BOATS

...when I spotted this guy walking around with a small dog in a front pack carrier (okay, I really don't know what they're called - but according to the label, Outward Hound). So I made my way across the dock, keeping my eye on his movement, cause I wanted to get a shot of this twosome. When I came upon him, I introduced myself, handed him a business card (it was a business event) and asked him if I could take a picture of the two of them. I mean, you have to understand - here's this cute little chihuahua with goggles over his dark brown eyes so patiently hanging out with dad. Dad was very obliging and I kindly asked him if he could lean up against the rail so I could get the angle I wanted.

TWEAK & DAD

Quick notes on Tweak: He actually did ride in on a motorcycle (and I thought my dog was spoiled). He was fine with the goggles and never had any problems with them once he realized they protected his eyes. This is the kind of information you get when  you take the time to talk to someone when you want to get their photo. Oh, and according to dad, Tweak got his name because he's always "tweaking".

Continue reading...

Now, this is where the courtesy (or lack thereof) comes into play. At that moment, I swear three to five camera phones swooped in and took over. Cut right in front of the shot. Dr. Jekyll was not happy (and Ms. Hyde wasn't too thrilled either). So I stepped back and waited for these inconsiderate phone photographers to finish their "gonna post this on Facebook" snaps (and who never once considered asking the twosome if they could take the shot) and started working with dad again. Patience paid off as I got the whole Tweak family. It's a Life (family) Portrait.

THE FAMILY TWEAK

This is where the conflict plays out. You see, Dr. Jekyll, as a professional business woman, would never complain about the inconsiderate behavior of others. But you know, Ms. Hyde, the artist/photographer, has no gripes about it at all. Don't get me wrong, Dr. Jekyll will always be the professional on every level of business (as in asking a complete stranger if you can take their photograph), but Ms. Hyde must always capture the art (and complain about the process).

And a big thanks to Tweak and his humans for allowing me to capture these great shots.